IPPF EN at the European Development Days 2017

Many of the world's least developed countries struggle with high fertility rates and low development. The current demographic boom means we have the largest generation of young people in history.

This contributes to an economic surge in countries where there are increasing numbers of young people in employment, coupled with low fertility rates, resulting in what is known as a demographic dividend.

Investments in sexual and reproductive health and rights, education, gender equality, and subsequent economic policies, are absolutely critical if we are to create a demographic dividend.

In order for this to happen, decision makers and other actors, including the private sector, will have a critical role to play. Speakers will underscore how access to family planning and the empowerment of young people are indispensable for realising this potential.

No country over the last 50 years has emerged from poverty without expanding access to family planning. By investing in critical policies that empower young people, such as access to family planning, countries and global communities can reap theeconomic benefits.

The panel will take place on June 8th at 9am and is co-organized with DSW, EPF - European Parliamentary Forum on Population and Development, Save the Children EU, UNFPA, Countdown 2030 Europe, Population and Sustainability Network, and the International Centre for Reproductive Health.